Themes > Arts > Drawing > Perspective Drawing > Technique Demonstration: One-Point Perspective

2 Point Forms

You will need:

  • scratch paper
  • Sanford Mirado pencil
  • Pink Pearl eraser
  • ruler
  • triangle (optional)
  • step-by-step handout

 
Hobemma landscapeDuring the Renaissance, artists became very interested in making two-dimensional artworks look three-dimensional. They used mathematics and close observation to invent "linear perspective"—a technique that helps artists make things look deep.
 
Saint Florus
DeHooch (interior example)

Many earlier artworks showed little depth.

Linear perspective allows artists to trick the eye into seeing depth on a flat surface.

caption: Artists use one-point perspective to show forms face-on. 

It's easy to draw simple forms in one-point perspective. Here's how!

1. Turn your paper horizontal ("landscape" orientation)

Turn your paper horizontal.

2. Line the end of your ruler up with the side of your page.

Be sure the ruler is straight and flush with the edge of the page or everything will be crooked!

Crooked Ruler Illustration Straight Ruler Illustration

You may prefer using a triangle to draw horizontal and vertical lines. Just make sure it is correctly placed!

Crooked Triangle Illustration
Flush Triangle Illustration

3. Draw a horizontal line one or two inches down from top of the page. This is your horizon line.

Draw a horizon line.

4. Draw a dot in the middle of your horizon line. This is your vanishing point.

Make a vanishing point.

5. Now draw a square or rectangle in the right or left bottom area of your page.

Draw a square or rectangle.

6. Now connect three corners of your rectangle or square to the vanishing point. These are orthogonals.

Draw orthogonals from shape corners to vanishing point.

7. Draw a horizontal line between the top two orthogonals where you want your form to end.

Draw a horizontal line to end your form.

8. Draw a vertical line down from the horizontal line to complete the side.

Draw a vertical line to make the form's side.

9. Erase the remaining orthogonals.

erase the orthogonals
caption: Now you have a 3-D form in one-point perspective!

10. Add details and experiment!

Draw another form! Add windows and doors.
Try a lower horizon line. Try staking forms!

Now learn how to drawing forms
in two-point perspective!
 
 

Copyright 1999 Sanford
Information supplied by: http://www.sanford-artedventures.com